If you’ve managed to bag a babysitter, or just find yourself at a loose end this summer, and are looking for something to do here’s a hearty list of activities and events you might like
It’s the height of the summer holidays and while the kids are no doubt having a whale of a time, it’s not all about them.
Over the next month there’s events all across the country for adults to spend a day at, and plenty of places to go if you’ve got the day off and no one else to entertain.
From cracking boat trips to see the eclipse, to food festivals, secluded beach walks and fine dining from fine chefs for foodies, check out our list below. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Have a celestial evening boat trip
On August 12 a special boat trip will run to Caldey Island from Tenby, after normal visiting hours for the solar eclipse. This rare trip will see visitors remain on the island after normal visiting hours and gather at Caldey’s iconic lighthouse to watch the eclipse unfold.
This special event offers a rare chance to remain on Caldey Island after the last day visitors have departed. Tickets are £44.04 and can be booked, here.
A day at the races
Ffos Las Racecourse’s Ladies Day is back for summer 2026 and will fashion meet fast-paced racing with prices for the most stylish at the course.
Live music, cocktails and food make it a full fun day, with a little flutter, too, if you’re tempted.
Ffos Las is in Carmarthenshire, tickets start at £24. For more information, click here.
City fine-dining by the coast
For those who are interested in city fine dining on the Welsh coast Simmons by the Sea returns to Newport, Pembrokeshire this summer, taking over Tides Kitchen & Wine Bar on Market Street for four weeks throughout August. Launched on July 31, the seasonal pop-up will showcase Chef Tom Simmons’ signature approach to Welsh cooking through a five-course evening tasting menu, celebrating the finest produce from the coast and countryside. It will run through August, Thursday to Saturday. To book visit thomas-pontcanna.co.uk for more.
Quality time on a stroll
The options for escaping for the afternoon into nature are endless in Wales. Whether it’s a coastal walk or in the heart of the countryside – you’re spoilt. And don’t forget to stop at a pub along the way!
One great stop is Portmeirion Village in north Wales, which offers a magical, Italianate stop off featuring colourful Mediterranean-style buildings, sandy beaches, 70 acres of woodland gardens and a central piazza with a giant chessboard. For walking routes nearby see here.
An easy beach walk along the coast walk at Ynys Llanddwyn, Anglesey, takes you to a magical lovers’ island featuring picturesque lighthouses and stunning views. It’s home to the remains of St Dwynwen’s Church, named for the Celtic princess known as the Welsh patron saint of lovers.
On Gower Worms Head Walk is an incredibly scenic trail that starts near the National Trust Shop. This six-mile route allows you to take in the stunning views across Rhossili Bay and venture out to Worm’s Head – two small and pretty islands off the headland of Rhossili that are joined to the coast at low tide by a causeway.
This walk includes a gentle headland hike and a slightly more challenging tidal walk.
For more walks in Wales, click here and here.
Try food from London’s hottest Welsh cafe
Peckham’s popular Welsh cafe, Bara, has sold out most services since opening earlier this year, now you’ll be able to pick up their food at two home pop-ups this August. On August 15 they’ll be serving in Ammanford’s Coaltown coffee and a day later, August 16, they’re at the Wainwright’s Honey Festival in Aberystwyth.
Be ready to sample their signature Caerphilly cheese steak sandwich (above), honey butter pancakes and more. Follow Bara on Instagram for updates.
Get a nostalgia hit
Cardiff’s Tiger Yard is hosting a Back to the ’90s Festival on August 8 from 3pm. Think Old Skool dance and house anthems and some trance and /hardcore. Get your trainers on, glitter on the face and dance to guests, N-trance, Phats and Small, Ultrabeat and more. Tickets, here.
Stuff your face at a food festival – or beer fest
Summer in Wales sees lush food and drink events left, right and centre. August sees the Swansea Food & Drink Festival from August 7 to 9 when Oxford Street, Princess Way and Portland Street will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of street food, artisan makers and small businesses, all set against the backdrop of this warm, friendly city by the sea.
Then on August 15 there’s the Wrexham sausage and cider festival on Penyllan Farm, the same day (August 15) also sees the Cardigan River and food festival along the Teifi River. August 16 sees the Aberdyfi Food Festival and August 21 to 23, Aberystwyth is the place for be for beer lovers with the annual festival in the town for its third year.
Outdoor theatre at a castle
The historic surroundings of Oystermouth Castle provide a spectacular backdrop for a captivating programme of classic and contemporary performances, offering unforgettable entertainment for all ages. On August 25 it’s As You Like It and on August 26, The Pirates of Penzance. Click here for tickets.
Book a spa escape
Wowcher is running a great spa break deal right now for the classy Ruthin Castle spa and hotel a stone’s throw from Eryri and the Clwydian mountain range. Get an overnight spa escape for 2, including a stay in a standard or deluxe double room, full English breakfast, £30 per person dinner allowance, and twilight spa access for £149. Click here for more on this deal.
Walk to a quiet beach and spend the day
You’re spoilt when it comes to beaches in Wales.
The gorgeous Skrinkle Haven, near Manorbier on the Pembrokeshire Coast, is a hidden gem that is being compared on social media to the Maldives and Sicily thanks to its golden sands and dramatic backdrop. It’s accessible by a steep staircase, so not ideal when you’re with the kids, but it’s ideal for adults who want to admire the natural beauty of the Welsh coast.
Also in Pembrokeshire, Barafundle Bay may not have it all in terms of practical facilities or a trendy cafe which will serve you oat milk flat whites but what it does have is the magic and beauty to not care about that for a day.
The beach, which is on the south coast of Pembrokeshire is semi-remote, an east-facing golden sandy cove shrouded by sand dunes and blocked in by cliffs. andy oasis of calm that you’ll find wedged between Stackpole Quay, a small pebble inlet and Stackpole Head. The trek across the cliffs from the car park discourages massive crowds.
Or Porth Ceiriad is located on a remote stretch of coast towards the southern end of the Llŷn Peninsula and offers a crowd-free day by the sea – if you can find it.
It’s a gem of a beach owned by the National Trust and tucked away beneath towering cliffs. You’ll get sweeping views over Cardigan Bay all the way to the mountains of the Eryri National Park. It’s also less than three miles from the popular seaside village resort of Abersoch, where you’ll find plenty of cafes, shops, and facilities.



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